Menacing Bali volcano throws tourists’ plans into jeopardy
KARANGASEM, Indonesia: Some tourists are having second thoughts about visiting the tropical Indonesian resort island of Bali after repeated warnings that its highest volcano could erupt at any time, half a century after it killed more than 1,000 people.
Strong volcanic tremors rumbling underground and billowing white smoke over the scenic Mount Agung have raised alarm, prompting the evacuation of more than 75,000 people within 12 km.
Sitting on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia has nearly 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country. Many Indonesians live near volcanoes because lava flows make the surrounding soil and land fertile for farming.
Several countries, including Australia, Singapore and the United States, have issued travel advisories alerting holidaymakers to the new risk. And a hotel operator in Bali said news of the volcano had caused cancellations.
“Business is getting low since Mount Agung’s alert status was raised to the highest level,” said Ketut Purnawata, manager of Dasawana Resort, which is in the same district as the volcano, popular with tourists and hikers.
Nearly five million people visited Bali last year — most of them from Australia, China and Japan.
Airlines in Australia and Singapore said they were preparing for any disruptions due to an eruption, but flights were running normally for now.
Virgin Australia and Jetstar, both of which fly to Bali from Australia, said they would carry extra fuel in case they needed to change course. Jetstar and Singapore-based budget carrier Scoot said they had been contacted by a small number of customers looking to change their travel dates. “Less than 100 customers chose to rebook to a later date,” a Scoot spokeswoman said.
Singapore Airlines and its shorthaul arm SilkAir said customers travelling to Bali until October 2 could rebook or request a refund, while AirAsia said flights were operating normally.
One Indonesian travel agency said it had seen some cancellations.
“There will definitely be an impact on (sales of) tour packages but we don’t know the figures yet,” said Agustinus Pake Seko of PT Bayu Buana travel agency.
President Joko Widodo visited shelters near Mount Agung on Tuesday and urged residents to follow evacuation procedures after reports that some people were reluctant to leave their homes because nothing had happened.
“While the government will continue to try to minimise the economic losses of the community, the most important priority is the safety of the people here,” Widodo told reporters.
“So I ask all people around Mount Agung to follow instructions from the officials and minimise the impact of this volcano.”
Life was going along largely as normal on the island famous for its beaches, temples and gentle Hindu culture.
One Spanish tourist, Jordi Portalo, 23, said he wasn’t troubled.